Back to Search
Yesterday, I was joined by Ward 4 Councillor Monique Aquilina for a meeting with the Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores management team, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Niagara EMS, Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services, the City’s By-Law Services and senior staff at the City to discuss the issues experienced at Sherkston Shores over the Canada Day long weekend. During the meeting, the group developed a collaborative plan to ensure similar issues are avoided and/or are addressed more proactively in the future.
The joint approach has six points:
- First, Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores has committed to increasing controls for renters and visitors entering the park. The team has already implemented changes requiring private renters to be registered with a name and birth date, and requests that they also provide government issued ID in advance of their arrival. Sherkston will be adding additional oversights and limits for owners who bring visitors to the park, requiring pre-registration for all incoming visitors. Sherkston will continue not to allow any day pass purchases.
- Second, Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores has committed to conducting a full review of their perimeter fencing and vulnerable access points with an aim to reduce trespassing on their private property. Additional temporary or permanent fencing will be considered where appropriate or required.
- Third, Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores has committed to continuing to amplify their on-site security presence by adding third-party security team(s) as necessary. This may be needed for long weekends or if an influx of people is expected into the park.
- Fourth, the City of Port Colborne has committed to reminding residents with teens or other young adults in their family that Sun Retreats Sherkston Shores is a private business located on private property. It is important that parents or guardians do not drop off teens, other young adults, or any other individuals at Sherkston Shores unless they are registered visitors or otherwise officially permitted to be there. Accessing the resort from the road ends or beach accesses is illegal and is considered trespassing.
- Fifth, the NRPS will also continue conducting road patrols and RIDE programs in the vicinity of the park to deter and identify any unlawful behaviour and drivers who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Finally, the City of Port Colborne will work in collaboration with NRPS to implement traffic calming measures on Empire Road and Pleasant Beach Road to help address speeding and other unsafe driving near the park.
I have called another meeting of the group for mid-September to review progress and next steps with an eye to monitoring additional progress for the 2025 season.
Subscribe